TORONTO, March 6, 2013 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Canadian Cancer Society is pleased to learn that legislation reintroduced at Queen's Park yesterday will strengthen job security for family caregivers.
"Bill 21 is welcome news for those who need to take leave from work to care for a loved one with cancer," says Rowena Pinto, Vice President, Public Affairs and Strategic Initiatives for the Canadian Cancer Society in Ontario. "This legislation will allow families to concentrate on supporting their loved ones instead of worrying about losing their jobs. Although we would like to see the legislation evolve into a paid leave, we are pleased with this important step by the government."
The Canadian Cancer Society believes that family caregivers should have prompt and easy access to the support and services they need when caring for a loved one. The Society and its volunteers have been advocating on this important issue at the provincial and federal levels for years.
"Cancer is more than a health issue. It is also a complex social issue," says Pinto. "With approximately 22% of Canadians grappling with caregiving responsibilities for seriously ill family members, the physical, emotional, and financial burden on caregivers is a veritable strain on many families."
To make progress in the fight against cancer, the disease must be fought from different angles. Putting the issue of improved family caregiver benefits on the political radar is one of the many ways the Canadian Cancer Society is fighting back against a disease that touches far too many lives.
About the Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division
The Canadian Cancer Society is your best partner in the fight against cancer. We have more impact against more cancers in more communities than any other cancer charity in Canada. Through our mission, we fight more than 200 different types of cancer on numerous fronts. From cancer prevention activities to advocacy efforts on important issues, we give a voice to cancer patients and their families. We also fund world-class research and offer free information and support services that are proven to decrease stress and anxiety in patients and family caregivers. The work of the Canadian Cancer Society is supported by our dedicated volunteers and the generous support of our fundraising campaigns such as Daffodil Month and Relay For Life. To learn more, call 1-888-939-3333 or visit cancer.ca.
